England remain unbeaten in Group I of European World Cup qualifying. Against Hungary, the Three Lions quickly came back from a goal down – but in the end could not get one past the strong keeper Gulacsi.
England had the first chance of the game, but a shot from captain Kane – one of nine new players in the Southgate team after the 5-0 win in Andorra – was blocked by a Hungarian defender in time (8th minute). Shaw, who had created the opportunity, then caused a stir in a slow-moving first half: because the defender had clearly put his leg up too high when trying to clear Nego (23rd), Freiburg’s Sallai coolly slotted in from the penalty spot to make it 1-0 (24th).
Sallai’s shot was the first of the game.
Sallai’s opening goal from the spot did not last long
In addition to Sallai, Leipzig’s Gulacsi and Szoboszlai were back in the starting line-up for Hungary compared to the 1-0 defeat to Albania. The keeper was in the spotlight several times after coach Marco Rossi’s team had taken the lead: once he missed without consequence, shortly before the break he made a great reflex save against Sterling (45.+1). Nevertheless, it was 1-1 going into the dressing rooms as Stones was allowed to shoot in from a free-kick and beat Gulacsi from close range (37.).
Gulacsi stands in the way of 2:1 several times
After the restart, there was again little action on the field. Stones had the brace on his head (62.), but nodded just past or drew the short straw against Gulacsi (81.). Sterling again failed to find a way past the keeper (70.).
Out of nowhere, Hungary had the chance to make it 2-1: England’s joker Saka gave the ball away carelessly at his own sixteen, but Holender missed the good opportunity (84.). Therefore, it remained a draw, which is equivalent to the second division of points for the Three Lions, who are still unbeaten in Group I.
England host Albania on 12 November. The match could see the Three Lions clinch qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Hungary, who have little chance of qualifying, will receive a visit from guest San Marino at the same time.